A dental emergency can be a scary experience. It can happen at any time and leave you in extreme pain. Thankfully, there are services that can help you get out of this situation quickly and safely.
When you are dealing with a dental emergency, it is important to act in a timely manner. This will prevent the condition from worsening.
Tooth Knocked Out
A tooth may be knocked out as a result of a car accident, contact sport, or even an unexpected blow to the head. In many cases, a knocked-out tooth can be successfully reimplanted and will last for years to come.
If you experience this type of dental trauma, call your emergency dentist as soon as possible and ask for advice. They will probably be able to give you some first aid suggestions over the phone and even guide you through what to do until you can get in for your appointment.
If your tooth has been completely knocked out, it is important to find and pick up the tooth by the crown (white chewing surface) and not the root. Never touch the root, as it will cause further damage. Place the tooth in a container of milk or your own saliva, and try to keep it as moist as possible. If your dentist is closed, you can also use over-the-counter products that help preserve a knocked-out tooth. The most important thing is to avoid going to the emergency room for a tooth injury. ER physicians are skilled at treating medical emergencies, but they do not have on-staff dentists to handle dental care. They can also be very expensive compared to visiting an emergency dentist in Philadelphia PA.
Gum Damage
When gum tissue is damaged, it can cause pain and lead to other health issues. For instance, the bacterial action of gum disease can destroy the soft tissue that holds teeth in place and can even damage bone structures.
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. This is an inflammation caused by a build-up of bacteria that causes the gums to become red and swollen. In some cases, swollen gums bleed easily during tooth brushing. The infection can also spread to the roots of the teeth, creating a small space that is known as a periodontal pocket. This can be dangerous because it allows food, bacteria, and plaque to collect in the pockets.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to mild to moderate periodontitis, which is the most serious form of gum disease. This ruins the structure of the jawbone and connective tissue, which can lead to tooth loss. Symptoms of this stage include gums that are pulling away from teeth, deep periodontal pockets, loose teeth, and bad breath.
A toothache can occur due to many reasons, but it’s considered a dental emergency only if you have severe pain or discomfort. It’s better to find a dentist close to you and see them during regular appointments instead of going to the emergency room for oral injuries.
Injuries to the Inside of the Mouth
Injuries to the inside of your mouth can occur in many ways, including car accidents. Your mouth is comprised of a lot of blood vessels, so even small cuts can bleed profusely and cause pain. Injuries to the gums, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth (hard and soft palates), tonsils, throat and neck are common in accidents, and may require medical treatment at a hospital ER. The physicians there are trained to triage health emergencies and can help you stop the bleeding until an emergency dentist is available.
Trauma to the oral mucosa can be caused by physical, chemical and thermal injuries. These injuries are commonly associated with a car accident, but can also be caused by biting hard food or sharp objects in the mouth, excessive tooth brushing or an injury during dental procedures.
Injuries to the inside of your mouth should be treated at an emergency dental clinic. It is best to seek a Philadelphia PA emergency dentist as soon as possible, and take a few steps to protect the area in the meantime. For example, if you have an injured tooth, be sure to find any broken fragments and place them in a sealed container or plastic bag. You should also use clean gauze to stop the bleeding. Taking pain relievers and applying an ice pack can help reduce the swelling and discomfort.
Broken Jaw
A break in the jaw is another serious injury that needs to be treated promptly. It can cause pain, swelling of the face and mouth area, changes in how your teeth fit together when you close your jaw, an inability to open your mouth all the way, and bruising under your tongue. This type of injury can be difficult to diagnose and usually requires a medical examination, including x-rays and computed tomography.
The x-rays will show the extent of the fracture and help determine if it has caused any other problems, such as a fracture in a tooth socket or damage to the nerves or sinuses. A more severe fracture may require surgery to put plates across the broken area of the bone and screw them in place. This can be done in a hospital and typically under local anesthesia.
When you have an Emergency Dentist in Philadelphia PA, the best course of action is to call a dental referral service such as Dentistry For Life. They can help you find a Philadelphia emergency dentist that has evening, weekend, or walk-in hours to get you in for treatment immediately. It’s also a good idea to set up consultation appointments and build a dental history with your dentist before you have an emergency, so that they can treat the issue quickly. This will also allow the emergency dentist to uncover issues that would become emergencies and fix them before they have a chance to worsen.